Arif Ratnani, a businessman living in Saskatoon, Canada, was so moved by Snehalaya's work that he flew back to India and donated Rs 6.5 lakh to the organization. He shares his experience here.
“I come from a very poor family. My father used to repair kerosene stoves and my mother used to wash utensils. I have sold movie tickets in black for survival. But I am well settled now and have a beautiful family.
I have always wanted to do God's work, and felt I could do so by sharing what I have because He has given me in excess. I was looking for a good NGO to donate to, but couldn't find one until I saw Satyamev Jayate. The show changed my life and thoughts; it was like finding light in the darkness.
After watching the show, I visited Snehalaya because I wanted to learn more. Since the day of my visit, I have stopped donating money at religious places, and have decided to give it to NGOs like Snehalaya instead. When I returned to Canada, I spoke to my employees about the organization. I told them that whatever they donated would be doubled by me and passed on to NGOs in need. In the first month, I collected around $500.
I have only passed on what was given to me by God to the right person. I cannot take credit for this. I am just a mediator.”